Lot 75
  • 75

Isidore Pils

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Isidore Pils
  • Study for Mercury, Palais Garnier, Paris
  • signed I. PILS  (lower right); with the vente Pils wax stamp on the stretcher
  • oil on canvas
  • 24 1/8 by 28 1/2 in.
  • 61.2 by 72.3 cm

Provenance

Acquired in 1994

Condition

This painting is in original unlined condition. The colors are bright and fresh and the varnish appears to be new. Under UV, small spots of inpainting fluoresce in the model's thigh, shoulder, neck and chin, and in a more broadly brushed area in the background, and another spot in the lower right.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

In 1875 Isidore Pils' ceiling paintings for Paris' Palais Garnier were revealed to an excited public. The present work is a study for the panel entitled Minerva combattant la force brutale devant l'Olympe reuni and represents Mercury.  In the present work Mercury is shown wearing his winged helmet, in the finished version he dons his equally iconic winged sandals.